The Orc Chieftain's Summons

Tabek's words shattered Teron Gorefiend's composure, his body trembling slightly.

"Kilrogg's men suffered a loss?" Teron Gorefiend asked.

Malone knew that the "Kilrogg" Teron Gorefiend referred to was Kilrogg Deadeye, chieftain of the Bloodfang Clan, a formidable figure among the Orcs.

"More than that."

Tabek seemed to recall the scene he had witnessed; a look of fear crossed his face as he shuddered and continued.

"That dead Bloodfang Orc... the Trolls even scalped him."

"What?" Teron Gorefiend exclaimed.

If it were just a brawl or a death, that would be one thing, but desecrating a corpse was an act of absolute provocation.

"How have I not heard of this?" Teron Gorefiend remained skeptical of the report's authenticity.

"Why would I lie to you... Doomhammer ordered the news suppressed, and since the Death Knights have nothing to do with this, no one told you, that's all."

Tabek speculated.

Teron Gorefiend nodded silently—he knew the Death Knights were unwelcome in the Orc camps, and since he reported directly to the Warchief and hadn't seen him today, it was possible he had missed the news.

Malone could hardly believe his ears—these guys—Orcs and Trolls, could they be any more barbaric?

Fighting was one thing, killing was another... but to scalp an opponent...

Just imagining the scene made Malone shiver.

However, Malone knew this was likely true—he was referring to the act of scalping.

Back when he played the game, Malone had always felt the Troll race resembled the Native Americans or other primitive tribes from Earth.

Especially the Troll Headhunters; the term itself originally referred to those who would peel the skin from the tops of their enemies' heads.

When the Americans fought the Native Americans, both sides did this, and the scalps could be traded for bounties.

"I can understand suppressing the news... but Kilrogg won't just let this slide, will he?"

Teron Gorefiend asked.

"Of course not. Many chieftains and clan leaders have joined together to protest to Doomhammer. Some even said we shouldn't be allied with the Trolls and should wipe them out just like the humans."

Tabek replied.

"And what did the Troll leader, Zul'jin, say?"

Teron Gorefiend was more concerned about this—brawls and deaths were trivial; how this was handled depended entirely on the attitudes of the Warchief and Zul'jin.

"He said you could try."

Tabek answered.

"What?" Teron Gorefiend paused.

"I mean Zul'jin's response. When those chieftains were protesting, Zul'jin was there too. Then, someone said they should kill these Trolls, and Zul'jin said... 'You can try'."

Tabek explained.

This Zul'jin... Malone clicked his tongue in secret—too arrogant!

Malone knew Zul'jin; he was the leader of the Amani Empire, a very powerful individual.

Back in World of Warcraft, there was a dungeon called "Zul'Aman," and the final boss was Zul'jin.

But Malone hadn't expected that in this other world, Zul'jin would dare to be so arrogant in front of so many Orcs—and Orc chieftains, at that.

"Arrogant fellow..." Teron Gorefiend shook his head, offering his own assessment.

"What did the Warchief say?" Teron Gorefiend continued to ask.

Tabek recalled for a moment and replied: "Doomhammer told Zul'jin to hand over the one who scalped Kilrogg's clansman."

"But Zul'jin refused, and he and those chieftains kept arguing. They argued for nearly half the night without solving the problem, and then everyone just went back to sleep."

Tabek's account made Malone want to laugh—if you can't win an argument, fight! How did they end up just going to sleep?

"But I still don't understand why the Warchief would inquire about our Death Knight affairs." Teron Gorefiend brought the conversation back to the original point.

Although Teron Gorefiend was interested in the conflict between the Trolls and the Orcs, it wasn't something he could interfere with.

"Doomhammer feels that the conflict between the Trolls and us reached this point because he didn't stop it at the beginning. He doesn't want any more friction between the Death Knights and the Orcs."

Tabek explained.

"I understand. I will go with you to see the Warchief." Teron Gorefiend nodded and said.

"And him?" Tabek pointed at Malone.

"Maicomarlon... you come with me as well," Teron Gorefiend said to Malone.

"What? Me?"

Malone was still digesting the wealth of information Tabek had provided. Hearing Teron Gorefiend's words, he waved his hands in refusal.

"I can't leave. Tiffany is still here."

"You must go." Tabek shook his head and said, "There were two Death Knights causing trouble; I can't report back if one is missing."

Malone looked at Teron Gorefiend, having no intention of paying heed to Tabek's words.

"You should come with me, Maicomarlon." Teron Gorefiend seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking.

"But what about Tiffany? What will happen to her?" Malone asked, surprised.

"The other Death Knights will protect her." Teron Gorefiend gestured toward the Death Knights outside the tent as he spoke.

"No." Malone refused point-blank.

First, Malone did not trust the other Death Knights—aside from their rotting bodies, what difference was there between them and the Orcs?

Second, Malone worried that if he were not here, Tiffany would be frightened.

"You had best come with me. Tabek knows you were present; if he tells the Warchief about this, the Warchief will surely be furious. By then, many more Orcs will come here."

Teron Gorefiend stated.

"But..." Malone remained hesitant.

"There are tens of thousands of Orcs in this camp, and fewer than a thousand Death Knights." Teron Gorefiend reminded Malone.

Malone understood what Teron Gorefiend meant.

If Orgrim Doomhammer were provoked by this matter, this newly appointed Orc Warchief would be more than happy to use his head to proclaim his authority, perhaps even using the opportunity to intimidate the Trolls under Zul'jin.

By that time, not even Teron Gorefiend would be able to protect Malone and Tiffany, and there was no guarantee that in such a situation, the other Death Knights would still stand with Teron Gorefiend.

"I will go with you, Teron." Malone nodded, then walked toward Tiffany.

Tiffany had kept her eyes tightly shut; she could hear the voices of Malone and the others, but she could not understand them.

Sensing Malone's footsteps, Tiffany opened her eyes.

"I need to leave for a while." Malone crouched down, hesitating for a long time before breaking the news to the girl.